PNEUMA & Cristian Hidalgo [Interview] PNEUMA welcomes Cristian Hidalgo to the family! Not only is this his first release with PNEUMA, but he's also the first artist from the other side of the world that we're featuring. 'With Alchemist, I want to convey a message of hope and transformation. The music we listen to becomes our own soundtrack of what is happening to us. I hope Alchemist will be the soundtrack of many sunsets for everyone' he says. Alchemist is just the beginning, and we're looking forward to everything that is yet to come. Cristian Hidalgo resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The musician has always been connected to art in all its forms, especially to music. It's no wonder, then, that alongside his career as a music producer, he also works as a tutor at Escuela Sónica, sharing his deep understanding of crafting melodic journeys. There is something special about his connection to music, as he loves to explore new forms of expression through it, not only as a producer but also as a listener. He believes t Read More
Feature: Rodriguez Jr. & KIKO [Interview + Premiere] Hi Guys, thanks for joining us. How has your start to the year been and please tell us something interesting about your day today? Rodriguez Jr. Hello! Always a pleasure talking with you guys. I had a beautiful start into 2024. January and February are months I like to keep quiet in order to spend time in the studio and with my family, so I only played a few shows in Mexico and in the USA where I live now. It’s an important time of the year because I finally get to relax a bit, mentally digest the previous tour and prepare about upcoming projects with my team. KIKO: Hello everyone, my start to the year has been very enriching for me since I was able to finish this album 'Digital Family' that I started 3 years ago. Both of you were born and raised in France I believe, so please tell us about how growing up and living there affected your journey into electronic music? Rodriguez Jr. The electronic music scene was extremely exciting and fertile in France during the 90s. Eve Read More
Forty Cats [Interview] Forty Cats has made a significant mark in the global progressive house scene. Her first milestone came with the "Highway" debut EP on Lane 8's This Never Happened label in 2019. Two years later Forty Cats made a dramatic shift in the sound direction, releasing on esteemed progressive house labels like Sudbeat, Mango Alley, Soundgarden, PlattenBank etc., gaining support from industry legends such as Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Guy J, D-Nox, Lane 8, Above & Beyond and more. Later on, Forty Cats expanded her reach with international performances in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Armenia, and a debut tour in Argentina in 2023. As of today, Christina continues to captivate her audience with new releases, compilations, and DJ sets, maintaining a strong presence in the progressive house scene and touring globally. Coming off a prolific 2023, Forty Cats introduces her new label PURRFECTION Records with the debut 'Nocturne' single alongside a remix by Kyotto. Progressive Astronaut cau Read More
Yoav Shuella [Interview] Armadillo opens the spring season by presenting two fresh collaborations from Yoav Shuella and Chicola. Based in Israel, Chicola and Yoav Shuella is a unique collaborative project between father and son. Upon beginning his musical journey as a prodigious piano player, Yoav quickly became interested in his fathers synthesizers and drum machines, often spending hours in the studio with Chicola working on his melody crafting abilities. 2017 proved to be an impactful year for Yoav, although only twelve years old at the time, the young Israeli artist would craft the lead melody for the appropriately titled club anthem ‘Yoav’, a track which was not only incredibly emotive but was released via Guy J’s Lost & Found amidst much praise and a lengthy run of global success, one which not only created endless dancefloor memories but also established Yoav as a young and talented melodic craftsman. Now considered one of the label’s most memorable pieces of music, it ultimately furthered Read More
Gideon Homes [Interview] The touching film debut of director Gideon Homes. In 'Return To Planet Underground,' director Gideon Homes presents audiences with an enthralling glimpse into the Dutch underground techno scene, delivering a gripping dark milieu drama filled with intense moments and poignant human tragedies. The narrative revolves around a former underground techno DJ navigating the labyrinth of a prestigious law firm, only to spiral down into the shadows of a society already at war. Caught in moral gray areas, he confronts the past while glimpsing an uncertain future, stirring amidst the remnants of the real underground. This film is not merely a visual feast; it's a compelling exploration that immerses viewers in the lives of its protagonists. Set against the backdrop of driving techno beats, 'Return To Planet Underground' takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of human desires, drug-fueled escapades, social pressures and the pursuit of perfectionism. It's a cine Read More
Hassan Maroofi [Interview] Born in Iran but now calling Costa Rica home, Hassan Maroofi first emerged a short two years ago with a contribution to Buddhabrot's 'Constellations' collection. Immediately recognized for his nostalgic progressive sound, the San Jose resident would go on to showcase his music via 3rd Avenue, Nature Rec, RYNTH and The Purr across the next two calendar years. Also highly regarded as a DJ, Hassan has been a fixture of Costa Rica's nightlife for well over a decade, performing alongside top international talents such as Guy Gerber, Hernan Cattaneo, Marco Carola, Satoshi Tomiie and more. This week finds Hassan making his debut on Musique de Lune with 'Sepia', an EP co-produced with fellow countryman David Charpentier and already receiving play and support from Armin Van Buuren, Lee Burridge, Mariano Mellino, Nick Warren and Sasha, amongst others. Progressive Astronaut caught up with Hassan to learn more about the release of 'Sepia’, his background, nightlife in the Costa Rica, DJing, Read More
Feature: Dave Seaman & Quivver [Interview + Premiere] Hello Guys, thanks for joining us. How are you doing today and what was the last piece of music you listened to? Dave: Chaka Khan’s ‘I Feel For You’. Was literally just on the radio as I got out of the car. Brought back some memories of my breakdancing days in 1985. John: I listen to a lot of rock and hip hop when I’m on my way to and from the gym. Soundgarden ‘Fell on Black Days’, was the last thing I listened to this morning as I drove home. Tell us something interesting about your day today? Dave: I’ve just been traveling home from Mexico so nothing too exciting to report. Although I did just finish Guy Ritchie’s latest Netflix series ‘The Gentlemen’ on the plane which was a highly enjoyable gangster romp. John: Well, most of it will be taken up answering these questions because I’m so crap at typing. Hopefully some of it will be interesting though. Looking back on 2023 what gigs of yours have stood out and why? Dave: I really enjoyed my t Read More
Desyfer [Interview] Label owner, music producer & DJ Spencer Hickson, aka Desyfer has been involved in the music industry for over 25 years, He also works under the pseudonyms Phoenix & Sundogs with fellow producer FOTN. Released labels included Sony, Ministry of Sound, Solaris, Northern Exposure & The Sound of Copenhagen. Desyfer has received fantastic support from Sasha, John Digweed, Nick Warren, Guy J, Paul Oakenfold, Danny Tenaglia Nick Warren, Quivver, Anthony Pappa and Dave Seaman, amongst others. This this past year Spencer has focused on revitalizing his Tactal Hots imprint with the release of his latest productions 'Dronemind’ and ‘Solo'. Progressive Astronaut caught up with Desyfer to learn more about the release of 'Dronemind’ and ‘Solo', his background, nightlife in the UK, DJing, and more. Enjoy. Hi Spencer, thanks for sitting with us today! What is your current mood and what was the last piece of music you listened to? Hey, I’m good thanks, my mood is always Read More
Pedro Capelossi [Interview] Pedro Capelossi's Refraction Records arrives in exciting fashion with a much anticipated EP from the label boss himself. The Brazilian born - Spaniard naturalized, Barcelona based artist has forged a distinctive sound which focuses on inventive use of atmosphere and rhythm, drawing the lines between global dance cultures without adhering to any fixed formula. First emerging in 2019, Pedro quickly established himself with a consistent stream of superlative releases via Hoomidaas, Seven Villas, Sound Avenue, Tales of Romance and The Soundgarden; in turn earning the praise of Eelke Kleijn, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Pablo Bolívar and Powel, amongst others. A sparse but well-thought out release schedule has only made the love for his sound stronger and his new projects all the more anticipated. With Pedro's latest Hoomidaas vehicle 'Rainbow Road' opening his 2024 season, the Barcelona resident now unveils his flagship record label with a brand new EP entitled 'Supernova', alongside re Read More
Twilight Music Sculpture [Interview] Canadian artist Twilight Music Sculpture has been crafting a blend of deep, melodic and organic house from his Toronto studio, while also taking the city's dancefloor's on a journey. A 2021 debut via his Twilight Music imprint set the course for what has been a three-year creative swell of superlative releases. While keeping the majority of his output exclusive to his own imprint, he has also recorded projects for Amber Long's Modern Architect and most recently, Pedro Mercado's long-running Chrom Recordings, a single which got 2024 off to an impressive start. Now, continuing on an upwards trajectory, Twilight Music Sculpture adds Musique de Lune Noire to his resume with a two-track showcase entitled 'Morning Always Comes'. Progressive Astronaut caught up with Twilight Music Sculpture to learn more about the release of 'Morning Always Comes', his background, nightlife in Toronto, DJing, and more. Enjoy. Hi Twilight, thanks for talking to us today. How has your start to the year b Read More